Which communication approach uses all means of communication needed for understanding?

The Total Communication approach is designed to encompass all forms of communication that can aid in understanding, particularly for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. This approach recognizes that relying solely on one method, such as speech or sign language, may not be sufficient for every individual. Instead, it combines various techniques including sign language, spoken language, gestures, finger spelling, and visual aids. By using all these means of communication, Total Communication aims to enhance comprehension and facilitate interaction, ensuring that communication is effective and accessible.

In contrast, Cued Speech focuses specifically on making spoken language visually accessible through hand cues in combination with speech. Auditory-Verbal therapy emphasizes the use of residual hearing and encourages listening and spoken language without visual aids, mainly relying on auditory input. American Sign Language is a distinct language that uses signs and gestures, but it does not incorporate other methods of communication, which limits its scope in comparison to Total Communication. Thus, Total Communication stands out as the most holistic approach for effective understanding across various communication modalities.